Mishal Raheja
As
Dutta
Blue Blood
Part 14
Dutta felt he may be over stepping the line as she moved forward slightly. He pulled back his head and dropped his palms from her shoulders .Naku turned around and coyly looked up into his hooded contracted eyes. They both stared into each other's eyes briefly. Dutta blinked once and prompted her into verbalizing what she felt about the engagement. Why was there a need to say anything mused Dutta ? He knew full well her sentiments. Yet within himself he needed to hear what she had to say. It was to herald in a certain calm within himself. For so long he was tossed here and there ,that he wished to be made to believe that the engagement sealed a new bond and spoke of better, more stable times to come into their lives, especially his. Naku could see his eyes although on her green eyes still wore a somewhat glazed look ,despite the fact that he appeared before and with her.
"Sahib, where are you lost? is something amiss? She asked concerned. She hoped he would speak her mind out so she could in turn do what needed to be done
"it's amazing how you can sense when I go about wandering mentally. Naku, it frightens me to see how things have just fallen into place, to bring us together. First we met and then veered towards each other and saw a connection. Then we didn't face any opposition from our loved ones and their agreement culminated to day in us being formally betrothed to each other... but Naku ,why do I still feel edgy that I might fall?" Naku ,somewhat alarmed looked into his face and pleaded.
"Sahib, you have to fight this inner agitation that spoils your joy. Think that you have reckoned enough with loneliness, sadness, a sense of being unwanted. That moment has passed. Things have changed. You now have in your life Naku to share its space. So let me into your life, will you? Dutta gave her a slanted smile and doubled his chin with a nod
" ok.. come into my arms then and give this twitchy Dutta a reassuring hug Naku.. he urged and gently gathered her in his arm and pressed her sided face against his chest. Tenderly he moved his palm on her upper back as if to say, he soothed his own impatience.
" Naku.. I don't want to delay the lagan.. having you so close emotionally, I don't wish to let you go. it doesn't feel right to me, seems I'll scatter again. call it my love, and not my insecurity will you? he admitted as he shifted and held her face in wide palms. Her green doe eyes twinkled with agreement and she reinforced yet again
"sure Sahib, Naku will consider it your love and not your diffidence ..sahib, don't you think we should move back to the party.. we need to be milling in too, before we are noticed as missing" said naku and reluctantly he continued to hold her in the circle of his arms.
"yes you have been summoned by Aye Sahib! I don't believe this ! how cosy you both look! give us a bit of a chance as well you two! interrupted Baji with Roops by his side. Naku parted from Dutta as his arms dropped from around her body. Dutta pointed to the dimly lit area that he and Naku had occupied, with his palm and teased
"the time and space is all yours, baby brother.. just remember to remain within limits!
~~~~~~~~
Whilst the new visitor sat next to the pandit and spoke about matters of interest. Kala answered to her mothers, searching looks and took her over to the side . Before that she didn't forget to mention to Nana Tavde..
"babba Tavde, I am just taking Aye Sahib up to her room to give her some medication she missed due to the din of the engagement".. Tavde smiled and turned to the engaged couple.
"congratulations to you two.. happy day for me ! the only snag was, Dutta.. I missed your father. Only had one friend and lost him too.." Seema suddenly crept up and linked her arm in her father's arm and protested
"oohh babaa! please not today, no sadness! see how happy this handsome couple looks! I am sure Dutta's babba must be looking down from the heavens and showering down his blessings upon Dutta and Naku! and you my sweet babaa! are the best babaa in the whole wide world" Dutta shared her enthusiasm and shook Tavde's hand and led him to the side as both men noticed, Seema floated over to Ravi who stood alone on stand- by, at the edges of Patil Nivas lounge. Silently they watched as Seema dragged Ravi over to Naku and what appeared as, an introduction of Naku with him. Nana turned to Dutta and confessed
" she seems to like the way this Ravi character works! is on stand by for her and Seema too seems to go out more than she did before, Dutta..
"then that's something to be happy about Tavde babaa. Seema can go out with a body guard she relates to.. lessens your anxiety, but what is it babaa? you seem preoccupied "
"yes Dutta I am a little concerned look at them, they seemed attracted to each other Dutta.. don't tell me you can't see it.." confessed Tavde. Dutta didn't quite know how to react to what Nana Sahib suggested? But then he thought it to show sensitivity to his babba's one and old friend.
" I respect how you feel babaa Tavde. I would suggest both you and I monitor their behaviour to gauge if there's any fire to the smoke we both , especially you can see, and we'll take it for here".
~~~~~~~~~
Kala settled Aye Sahib on her bed, sat next to her mother and held her hand.
"Aye, I wish to thank you that you didn't challenge me downstairs when I introduced Kanta bai as your sister.. Aye, have you any idea of who she really might be? Kala asked her mother.
"yes Kala , I knew the moment she saw Dutta.. the way they both tilted their heads to the side and contracted their eyes.. the pronounced noses ,were very telling. My heart knew she is Dutta's mother. The woman who somehow gifted me my Dutta!.. and her voice cracked and she fell sided into Kala's arms weeping
"Kala will she take my Dutta away from me? Kala! you know we cannot survive without him.. as much as distant or near he may appear from me emotionally! What will happen now Kala? Aye panicked.. Kala drew her mother closer into her sided arms around her distressed mother's shoulders.
"Aye get a hold over yourself, don't make it any worse than it's is! especially for Dutta. You forget that Dutta to knows what you know Aye, that she is your sister. I knew beforehand that Dutta if not handled properly, can easily turn not only against us but against the whole world", Aye nodded and then wanted to know who else knew about Kanta bai being Dutta 's real mother?
"well Aye as luck would have it . We found out that her current address is Roops and Naku's house so they both know . Baji knows Aye Sahib, he was extremely useful in fact, he did all the useful fact finding abou t kanta bai" but Aye was still unclear regards how things would be ironed out. She too wanted to help in every possible way.
Kala advised her
"look Aye Sahib, the crux of the matter is that Dutta needs to bond with Kanta bai as his mother. This can only happen if he is afforded as many opportunities at hand... so in my opinion Aye Sahib, you need to allow or perhaps invite Kanta bai, for want of a better word,to stay at Patil Nivas indefinitely" Aye's looked to Kala and grabbed her daughter's hand passionately
"yes Kala, this sounds sensible enough. We are pleased you and Baji put in your effort in locating his mother. Apart from this, you are giving me an opportunity to fulfil my duties as an adopted mother to do as much as I can to facilitate Dutta's joy.. Even if it means I will perhaps be less of a mother to him" cried Aye Sahib. Kala yet again gathered her mother but this time with a stiff word
"look Aye! you cannot get emotional at every step, it can be detrimental to the complete process of easing Dutta into accepting his real mother which he mightn't do ,if he knew her past! so now we need to think how best you and Kanta bai can bond with each other too? Aye Sahib for Dutta's sake I am asking you to assume that Kanta bai is really your long lost sister! I'll prime her too and before Dutta you need to show joy at the revival of your relationship with mayi as she prefers to be called by Naku and Roops " explained Kala.
~~~~~~~~
Aye seemed in a hurry that nothing went wrong so she urged Kala to brief Kanta bai of the new developments as soon as possible. Kala sailed down the stairs , beckoned Roops, Naku , baji and pretended to share a platter of sweet meats with them . Then furtively she moved towards Kanata bai with the plate and they all shared a ladoo between themselves. Dutta watched from a distance as he chatted with Nana Sahib. He smiled approvingly at his brother and sister and the new additions all tending courteously to this stranger.. maayi.. he remarked to Nana Tavde
"babaa have to say ,it's are family's strength that we embrace any one in our family.. Aye Sahib accepted Krishna into her fold and now this sister of her's who has returned from the dead.. my Aye has done some good deeds and that's why god too, is fairly generous in rewarding her with joyous things ." reflected aloud Dutta, with Nana Sahib who of course agreed whole heartedly . He always supported his friends wife as she was a mother to his Seema too for as long as he and his daughter could remember.
Kala explained to maayi what she would do . Introduce her to her mother.. and then they would take it from there. She also hinted that she might have to shift down here to make their relationship more credible.. Kanta bai before she answered, spotted her handsome son dutta!
He looked around and seemed a bit lost in his own house. His eyes searched for someone. Dutta felt his stubble chin and wondered where his aye had disappeared too? His face perked up as he saw this precious woman his adopted mother, as she gradually glided, gracefully down the main stair case. He leapt forward and reached out for aye's hands at the landing. Kanta bai 's eyes shifted from where she sat next towards the figures at the bottom of the stairs. Somewhat envy rose within her, as she stared at her boy.. with the lady who nurtured him all this while. Protectively he curved his wide arm around her shoulder.. and they both sided their heads towards each other with immense established affection.
"Aye Sahib! Is everything well with you? was a bit concerned when noticed you went missing.. What is it Aye ,won't you share it with your Dutta.? or do you still feel, I am not your true son?. Muttered Dutta . Aye Sahib pressed her palm on his lips and then cast her eye upon her long lost sister.
"don't say things which are untrue , for me you will forever be my boy ,my son Dutta! she said with an emotional tremor in her voice. After a slight pause , she sighed and continued
"thing is Dutta seeing my sister Kanta after such a long time suddenly , left me unhinged a bit. didn't wish to have a tearful showdown before every one ,so asked Kala to take me to my room for a bit. Now I seem a bit better, so hence came down to meet her properly, explained Aye Sahib. Dutta being the sensitive to atmosphere son.. veered her to where Kanta sat and both headed towards her.
With a smile on his face, he looked at Kanta bai and began
"so mayi ,seeing that both of you are in the recovery stage of coming out of the shock of this wonderful surprise ,for both of you! Dutta , wishes to give you ,your sister.. older sister! Shakuntula shriram Patil!.. I trust you will probably have a session now where the tears will say it all! am I right? he looked at one than the other.. and allowed his Aye to bend and hug her sister and then yes the two ladies wept against each other's neck! Kala nodded at Dutta with complete approval and they both moved to the side and leave the two sisters to it. Aye Sahib sided and faced Kanta. Both reached out each other's hands, as they strengthened each other. Since shakuntala was meant to be the older one out of the two ,plus she was the host as well. More than that indebted to this poor widow for the gift called Dutta, she thought it befitted that she initiate the conversation.
"I don't know where to begin Kanta , for giving me a ray of sunshine. That still radiates through not just my house and my family.. but in my very existence too. I tell you the truth my breath activates at the name of your son Dutta.. Kanta patted Aye sahib's hand as her voice cracked yet again
" Tai.. may I call you that? and Aye Sahib nodded as they both smiled secretly at each other, then she continued
"I gave him away . he was a memory lodged in my mind of a marriage only in word , a bond uncherished and unloved. What you see over there ,a strapping , handsome young man is your dutta , whom i consider a gift from bappa and above all ,tai from you. It's you who nurtured and reared him to stand up on his feet. All i ask from you is to share your joy tai.." requested kanta. Aye sahib nodded and dabbed the corner of her eye with her pallu and squeezed her hand
"Kanta, believe me for Dutta's happiness I am willing to share everything with you , even Dutta himself. For the last thing I want is the name of foster and adopted parent be questioned and maligned. However this I know Kanta , of being his adoptive mother that he was always a child and even as an adult ,the kind of person who can go easily into a shell ,when confronted by emotional issues. So I suggest we must both exercise extra care that such a situation does not arise.." Kanta seemed keen and wanted to know further
" I agree totally Tai , you just guide me as to what would be best in such a situation.? Aye Sahib replied
"Kanta , the most obvious thing you need to do now is to get to know Dutta.. or rather he needs to get to know you. For that if you ask me , you might need to have a consistent ,progressing contact with him.. How about moving into Patil Nivas. The guest room , Kala has already got cleaned out and ready for you.. What do you think , Kanta?In my opinion this would be the most healthy option" suggested Aye . Kanta was taken aback by the option.. But then she recalled Kala had mentioned earlier that moving to Patil Nivas could be a possibility.
"Tai getting to know Dutta and him breaking ice with me.. In principle is a good and useful idea. But there are commitments I have in place where I live.. Which I would hate to end. Now if I can ensure it runs then I can move over as soon as possible.. Tai.. so all I ask for the minute is that you allow me a bit of time so I can sort things too at my end to" concluded Kanta and both women seemed to be engaged in a worthwhile congenial discussion. Dutta smiled at them from a distance and turned to Naku. Kala , Roops and Baji
"looks like the sisters have hit it off.. I for one, am delighted that our Aye has found part of her family.. what do the rest of you say? they all stared at Dutta and Baji teased
"Bhau you talk as if anyone here would dare to disagree with you? he doubled up and Dutta pulled back his folded tight fisted palm and growled,
"no one here has bothered to check the if the two have had a meal or not? he muttered ,then turned and gave Naku a sided glare
"at least you should check Naku! which world are you lost in? Dutta moaned. Naku felt already owned by him. The way he ordered her to serve maayi.. as if it was his right that he now exerted on her before all.
~~~~~~~~~
When Naku returned from the kitchen. She verbalized what she wished should happen. A show of courtesy to the new guest. With the food platter in her hands she stood by him and whispered softly
"Sahib, look everyone has welcomed maayi.. won't you do it too? Dutta sided his head and asked
" I have interacted with her Naku.. I took Aye over to her. ok.. you have pointed out I welcome her. What I should do then Naku? You might as well suggest as to how I may do that? Dutta asked irritated. Kala, joined them suddenly .Took the tray from Naku and handed it Dutta with a nod.
" it's your Tai's request that you go and serve Kanta Bai.. show the shri Ram Patil hosting skills. and mayi is our Aye's sister." Dutta looked one by one at Kala first then Naku and carefully progressed towards his maayi. Kanta was completely over awed . She had wished some interaction with him, but her boy to be bringing food for her to eat was nothing short but Bappa's merciful grace on her. She shifted and made space for him, in a position where she could kiss his face with her tired old wrinkled eyes. Dutta stood before her awkwardly ,tray in hand. She glanced up at him smiled and patted her lap, then moved her hand to the side and tapped the space beside her. Dutta doubled his chin, smiled and carefully rested' the food on her lap. Paused and then turned to look at Kala who nodded, he smoothed his Sherwani from his bottom and then sat beside maayi. He waited for her to start eating , but instead she turned to him.
"have you eaten Dutta? she asked in a factual tone.
"no. I usually eat when I am hungry. At the moment I am not hungry" he replied tersely . mayi replied, equally tersely
" if you haven't eaten ,then how do you expect me to eat with a hungry man sitting next to me?
" look mayi , I told you till I don't starve , Ijust don't eat.."he replied in a surly manner. Kanta looked at him sideways and thought. he's stubborn as a donkey, but then she too is his mother! she spooned up a rasgulla on the spoon provided and turned it to his mouth. Dutta's eyes twinkled at this woman's clout and he mused.. have to say she's as persistent in nature like me. Kanta just held the spoon inches away from his stubble face , and cajoled
"come eat some sweet from my hands Dutta.. you cannot refuse. It's a happy day you got engaged today.. so grant this old widow some happiness" she pressed gently . Dutta pulled his mouth to one side, hooded his eyes , blushed and then, held her hand with the spoon and turned it towards her mouth
"ok mayi, i'll eat , but only after you!. And she touched his hand as he pushed the spoon to her mouth. She smiled, chomped and then spooned his share of the rasgulla and moved the spoon towards him. This time Dutta bopped his head towards her and parted his lips as she fed him and he ate the sweet by her hand. Naku, Kala , Baji and Roops watched the scene from far and smiled at the sweet outcome. Real mother and son interacting for the first time. Dutta chewed the sweet and then pointed to the food on mayi's lap.
"mayi I have eaten the sweet by your hand, now at least you have the rest of your food", he said concerned
"on one condition ,that you eat yours too! what do you say? will you deny the wishes of an old widow Dutta? Dutta shook his head and raised an eyebrow
"must say mayi, you are just as manipulative as your older sister! my Aye Sahib.! alright just to show you, how well my Aye brought me up! I'll join you in eating my meal as well ! gave in Dutta lightly. As if Naku assessed from far what her Sahib was up to. She dived into the kitchen and remerged from the kitchen with a platter for him. She set it on his lap as he wished. Dutta turned to mayi and asked her
"so tell me mayi ,if you approve of what I am bringing into my house..? he asked as he winked at Naku ,who stared at maayi.
"Dutta , my child , I have known Naku , long before you. Did she not tell you her and Roops have granted me permanent shelter at their ancestral home Ram Sita hivali.." Dutta dropped his morsel of rotil and set aside his platter in complete shock
"Naku you didn't even give me an inkling that you knew mayi from before? what do I make of all this Naku? you owe me an explanation! growled Dutta
Naku with great presence of mind reminded him.
"Sahib ,I did mention to you during my life story ,that I lived in a house bequeathed to Roops and me by her deceased grandparents.. also that in that house lived a widow who acted like a caretaker , during our absence .. now tell me Sahib , true of false? Dutta looked at her in anger first, then his expression turned sheepish and he acknowledged she had mentioned about a certain widow.
Naku suddenly felt tugged at her side and she turned and found Krishna. His face turned up to her. His eyes dew eyed and disenchanted. She took her eyes off Dutta, faced Krishna and enquired much concerned
"what is it Krishna? why are you looking upset? Krishna reached out for her hand and twisted his neck backwards to catch his Bhau. Naku understood who could be at the centre of causing Krishna grief.
"look Krishna, your Tai has to dash off to check on those people in the corner , seems they need their plates replenished", and before he knew it she pulled her hand out of his and walked off. Krishna looked around sullenly and then found Aye Sahib sitting by herself in the far corner of the room. She gazed towards Dutta Bhau and this new lady in Patil Nivas. she is Aye's sister they say , but why her attention is on Dutta Bhau? Krishna mused
"Krishna! he heard his name. but it was not Bhau but his mother. Aye Sahib. sparked him with good cheer. Krishna almost ran towards Aye Sahib ,slipped before her knees and closed his arms around them and buried his head down against them. Aye Sahib , somewhat wounded herself ran her hand over his warm head and soothed him softly
"hush child.. tell your Aye Sahib what's the matter? did someone say anything to you? Krishna warmed to her touch ,gathered himself emotionally and muttered
"Aye Sahib.. Dutta Bhau never said anything about me..it's like I am nothing in this family, is it because my blood is different from your children Aye? I thought you said I was like your grandchild? Aye I may be .. but no one has acknowledged my existence .."he suddenly began to sob innocently. Aye Sahib took his face in her palms and looked into his distressed eyes
" Krishna what are you getting so worked out about? don't be silly! You know you have your special space in this house and in my heart" scolded Aye gently
" Aye, but what of the space in his heart who matters the most to me? in whom I see myself in the near future? Aye Sahib moved her face from his and looked across at Dutta who sat beside his mayi.. and she gave a small nervous laugh
"yes.. Dutta! you are so right Krishna , he matters so much to many people in this house. Lives in my heart too like yours.. but sometimes doesn't gives back the same feeling. that's the way Dutta is. Krishna ?,Aye calmed him down but she knew the child was dissatisfied. So she probed further
" Krishna so you think Dutta has forgotten about you during this party ? Krishna shook his head vigorously in sheer frustration and whinged as he squeezed Aye Sahib's hand
"nooo Aye ! he can't forget me ever! I am too much in his face! it's just that he hasn't told your sister about me.." finally Krishna blurted out what bothered him, and Aye Sahib , tousled his hair and treated the matter in jest. Although she identified full well with how he felt slightly pained and dismayed by Dutta's attention to the new body introduced in her house hold. But for now, she will have to for her sake as Dutta's adopted mother, and for Krishna who considers himself as Dutta's adopted son, end this fraught situation!
"come on then child , lets both of us get to the man we both love." said Aye Sahib, mother now composed and once again made strong by the small yet resilient grip of a little boy ,that was like Dutta many moons ago.
Dutta, stood up as he saw them approach. Two loved people of his life. One, the benign old woman who watered him as a sap and made him into a robust tree today. The other, the young vagabond in whose eyes he looks and finds himself being grateful for the family he has..
"Krishna! my very own self! where have you been? your Bhau was feeling incomplete without you! come here you ! and give me the feeling that you know me! teased Dutta as he opened his arms and Krishna ran to him and closed his arms around Dutta's waist. Krishna threw back his head and looked up into Dutta's bemused face that looked down into his and complained
"Dutta Bhau I was around, but you never really saw me.. and he turned his head towards Kanta bai. Dutta grabbed him by the shoulders and presented him before the guest as Krishna thought of her.
"mayi ,this is Krishna , came into my life , took over and now lives in my heart .. forever! Aye Sahib and all of us have accepted him as ours.." before he concluded . Krishna interjected
"mayi! Dutta Bhau is like my babaa, and Naku Tai like my maa! so for you I don't know what I am? he challenged. Kanta bai . called him to her held his head in her palms ,kissed his forehead and said
" look Krishna.. since I too am your Aye Sahib's sister so what does that make me? your Aye too! she exclaimed cheerfully
" hope you don't mind , but for Krishna there is only one Aye Sahib.. Dutta Bhau's Aye! so you are mai! Mai! He yelled and Kanta bai nodded and accepted the name he referred to her as. Aye Sahib, turned and met Naku's gaze and Naku just smiled silently , to say ,all will be well.. eventually ...
"Dutta!.. called Nana Sahib, and asked him if he had seen Seema ? It was getting late and they needed to head home. Dutta looked out for Naku . Spotted her as she headed for the kitchen with a tray of empty glasses. Dutta grabbed her arm and pulled it back . She stopped and sided her head and whispered
"not now Sahib.. have work to do.." Dutta came close up behind her and softly bent her elbow behind her back ,till she winced. He brought his lips closer to her ear and grunted
"work will have to wait.. your lord calls you.." Naku hurt but still a giggle escaped her lips and she replied
"oohhh Bappa ! who do I please? you or this new lord? Dutta yanked her arm a bit and she winced again, and he replied
"Bappa will say , serve your lord.. your pati to be.. Nakusha! if you want to win favour in my eyes.. be like my parents.. Mahadev ji and Parvati ji! .. Dutta murmured in her ear. Naku struggled, against his gentle grip behind her back and objected
" how can I serve you my lord if you keep me in your grip.. let go of me! so I can carry out my duty ,to my god and to you".. she moaned softly. Dutta chuckled and loosened his grip over her folded elbow and she pulled it free and turned around and faced him her face filled with annoyance. She rested the tray she held on the palm of her free hand, on the shiny kitchen worktop, then rubbed her elbow . Dutta watched her, besotted by her beauty and asked roguishly
"shall I rub your elbow? to make it better ,since I caused the pain? Naku shook her head and pushed her palm out at him "no Sahib , I'll be fine , you tell me did you need anything? she bit her bottom lip. what a silly question to ask him, she mused
" hummm, Naku.. Dutta wants you." she looked at him with panic ridden eyes and backed into the worked top and he continued with a chuckle
"now that would be asking for a bit much. a little too soon Naku.. isn't it? she sighed with relief and mentioned what he came for?..
"Naku seen ,Seema anywhere? she pointed to the garden. Dutta went to the French glass door of the lounge into the garden and was amazed at what he stumbled upon.. Seema and Ravi in an embrace.
"what the hell? yelled Dutta...to be continued... Hamlet53 23.10.15
have a great weekend every one.. much love hammie
Edited by Hamlet53 - 10 years ago
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